Animal Registration and Ownership

Animal Registration

Registering your pets is important for ensuring that they can be easily identified and returned to you in the event that they become lost.

It is mandatory for all dogs and cats being registered for the first time with Murrindindi Shire Council to be microchipped. This regulation also applies to previously registered dogs and cats that move into the Murrindindi Shire from another Shire.

Animal Registration Fees

Amount $

Dog/cat registration - discounted

43.50

Dog/cat registration - discounted (Concession)

22.00

Dog/cat registration - not desexed

130.00

Dog/cat registration - not desexed (Concession)

65.00

Dog/cat tag replacement fee

4.25

Guide dog registration and re-registration

0.00

Restricted breeds/declared animals

245.00

The discounted rate is available for desexed animals, registered with an approved association, dogs that have undergone obedience training with an approved organisation, an animal over 10 years old or a working stock dog (rural properties only).

Pensioner discounts are available to people holding a valid concession card. Health care cards are not eligible.

Payment options for registering your pet are outlined on the registration form which is available below.

At what age does my pet have to registered?Cats and dogs must be registered from 3 months of age.

When is pet registration due?Pet registration renewals are due on 10 April every year. You will receive a registration renewal form by mail.

How do I register my pet for the first time?Download and complete an Animal Registration Form(PDF, 193KB) and return it to council along with a copy of your eligible pension concession card, if claiming a concession.

Alternatively you can visit any one of council's offices or phone 5772 0333 to arrange for a registration form to be posted to you.

What if I choose not to register my pet/s?Failing to register your pet/s will increase the risk of the animal being untraceable if lost. Fines apply for unregistered pets.

Animal Ownership

Residential land

Residents living on residential properties require council permission to keep the following animals:

more than 2 dogs

more than 2 cats

more than 10 chickens

more than 2 ducks, geese, pheasants or turkeys

more than 2 rabbits

more than 2 guinea pigs

more than 2 ferrets

more than 50 domestic birds

sheep, goats, horses, or cattle - unless the land is more than 0.5 hectares in size, in which case the number that may be kept without a permit is no more than 2

a beehive - except on land more than 1 hectare in size

any pigs, roosters or peacocks.

Rural land

Residents living on rural properties require council permission to keep the following animals:

more than 6 dogs

more than 6 cats.

Note: The above regulations do not apply where a planning permit has been obtained for land used for the purposes of animal boarding or breeding.

Restricted dog breeds and dangerous dogs

Ownership of a restricted dog breed or a dangerous dog requires a permit from Council. Permitted ownership is restricted to 2 dogs in total on any type of land.

Pigeons

Keeping of Pigeons other than those registered with an organisation (i.e. Victorian Racing Pigeon Union; Victorian Homing Association and Victorian Pigeon Racing Association) is not permitted without a permit from council.

All queries with regard to animal ownership should be directed to council's local law department on 5772 0333.